Darya Nepryayeva, a 23-year-old Russian skier, has opened up about the jealousy she has experienced from her compatriots as she competes at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Representing Russia under a neutral flag due to her lack of ties to the Russian government amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, Nepryayeva's Olympic spot has sparked envy among other Russian female skiers. While she acknowledges that others may smile at her, she believes that many hold feelings of resentment beneath the surface.

Nepryayeva's comments shed light on the tense dynamics within the Russian national skiing team. According to her, the support she has received from fellow athletes has been lacking, with few exceptions like Julia Stupak and her older sister Natalya. This absence of encouragement has left her feeling isolated and highlights the competitive nature of the sport, which is primarily individualistic. Despite this, Nepryayeva remains focused on her personal goals, driven by her hard work to qualify for the Olympics.

As the Olympics approach, the narrative surrounding Nepryayeva is significant, not only for her individual achievements but also for the broader implications of competitive sports in a politically charged atmosphere. The rivalry and envy among athletes reflecting the divided sentiments within Russia may impact team dynamics and the overall spirit of competition as the Games unfold, raising questions about unity and support within the national framework under such extraordinary circumstances.